(Webmaster: I hope, along with many others we can breathe a sigh of relief with the publication of this Final Horse Trials Post. I hope to see many photos and reports after the mammoth struggle that Geoff and his team of organisers have spent over the last month in reorganising this event. Please send photos and reports by email here. Thanks …. )


I am very happy to say that the sun is still shining here in Somerford (in between the rain showers) and all is well.
I attach a copy of the 2016 programme – we will not be printing a copy this year in view of the reduced numbers competing so if you feel you will need any information for the day, please print it at home and bring it with you.
I would draw particular attention to the cross-country times, speeds and distances chart at the end of the programme.
Site Layout Plan and road access
I attach a copy of the site layout plan (26 acre Map 2) and ask you to note that the closest postcode for the entrance to the event is CW12 4SN.
If you are travelling from the M6/Holmes Chapel direction on the A54, you will pass the main entrance to Somerford Park Farm on your left-hand side. Continue along the A54 for 7/10ths of a mile and you will see the warning sign for the entrance which is on your left. Turn into the field gate (it is 14ft wide so ensure you make a wide enough turn) and continue straight for about 150m and then turn right into the main lorry park.
If you are travelling from the Congleton direction, the field gate entrance is on the right about 7/10ths of a mile after you pass the Chelford Road/Sandy Lane off-set crossroads.
Please take extreme care when negotiating the entrance, slowdown in good time, beware overtaking traffic – it is a single carriageway main road, it is unlikely to be very busy but needs extra vigilance.
On-site – dogs MUST be kept on leads. Please beware children and horses when manoeuvring.
Cross Country Course Access and Plans
Please note the blue line on the site plan marking the route to the XC. It is 1.2 miles and you should allow AT LEAST 20 minutes to walk it. The route will be marked with direction arrows. The course will not officially be open for walking until 2 p.m. on Saturday. If you choose to walk before then, it will be at your own risk. It is currently flagged but it is possible that changes have to be made. If you wish to walk before 2p.m. on Saturday, you should seek permission from the Somerford Park office. Course maps are attached as a rough guide only – you should take account of what is actually there on the ground rather than merely following the map.
Competitor Times
I attach an updated competitor times list. There are a few changes since first publication but your times should only have changed if you or your team manager has asked to make a change for any reason. However, please check your times and use this list for future reference.
Teams
We have a total of 17 teams competing across the two Areas. I attach a list of teams for your information.
Souvenirs
We will have some very special souvenirs on sale – hoodies from the 2016 Cheshire Shield that never was – they will become a collector’s item – please buy one and support the North West Air Ambulance.
I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday – and just keep smiling whatever.
Geoff
Geoff Bell
District Commissioner